Chapter 405

Chapter 405: Blackmailing the Sect Leader

After leaving Sword Fortress, Fang Lie sailed back alone. On the way, he worried, "Bird Bro, will those East Kunlun scoundrels chase us? This Earth’s Magnetic Force Warship doesn’t seem as fast as the Sword God’s speed."

"Relax~" Old Bird sneered. "They wouldn’t dare chase you even if they had the guts!"

"Oh? Why?" Fang Lie asked curiously.

"Simple—they’re in the wrong." Old Bird snorted. "The Divine Marrow’s been found. With ironclad evidence, any unreasonable action from them would make them a laughingstock. If they push too far, other righteous sects might intervene. These are times of demonic resurgence—righteous factions prioritize internal peace. Anyone stirring conflict without cause gets stopped. Even the mighty Sword God wouldn’t defy the entire world!"

"So… does this mean we wiped out Sword Fortress for free?" Fang Lie exclaimed excitedly.

"By the Dao’s principles, we’re justified. But East Kunlun’s stubborn and vengeful. Though they won’t attack openly, expect underhanded schemes. Focus on closed-door training and boost your cultivation first!" Old Bird advised.

"I’ve wanted to train long ago," Fang Lie sighed. "But without resources, how could I gather enough spiritual energy from heaven and earth? The poor have no choice but to hustle. Selling pills was my only way."

"No worries~" Old Bird snickered. "Since you seized the Divine Marrow, the Sect Leader must reward you handsomely. Otherwise, don’t hand it over!"

"Right! The Divine Marrow’s priceless—especially for the Sect Leader aiming to become the world’s strongest. He’ll covet it!" Fang Lie nodded. "What should I demand?"

"Besides altar materials and spirit pills for your breakthrough, demand the central spot in the Jade Pool for closed-door training. Not those trash spots you used before—the core area where even Inner Elite Disciples rarely get access!" Old Bird instructed.

"Only that? Feels too cheap!" Fang Lie grumbled. "We destroyed Sword Fortress for this Divine Marrow, yet we’re practically giving it away! And cleaning up the Bai family’s mess? Unacceptable! I’ll squeeze that old fool dry!"

"Heh, he’ll cough up blood this time!" Old Bird cackled. "Your altar will use top-tier materials—lowest grade is Seventh-Rank, over a dozen Ninth-Rank pieces, and hundreds of Eighth-Rank materials. Total value nearly matches the Divine Marrow!"

"Perfect!" Fang Lie laughed. "Bird Bro, send me the list! I can’t wait to negotiate with the Sect Leader!"

"You rascal~" Old Bird sighed, transmitting a list of over a thousand materials—all Seventh-Rank or higher, piled like a small mountain.

Though materials cost less than finished treasures, Ninth-Rank items are exorbitantly rare. This altar, once built, could potentially reach Ninth-Rank. At minimum, Eighth-Rank was guaranteed with such premium materials.

Satisfied, Fang Lie plotted how to make the Sect Leader hemorrhage resources. Had Mo Qianxun known, he’d have been livid!

Days later, Fang Lie returned safely to Iron-Walled Jin City.

The Eight Immortals guarding the city greeted him—this time with thousands of cultivators in tow, a stark contrast to his first quiet arrival. Clearly, the city was firmly under his control.

Mr. Suan Mei eagerly asked, "Young Master, did you succeed?"

"From today onward," Fang Lie declared coldly, sweeping his gaze across the crowd, "Sword Fortress no longer exists!"

Gasps erupted. Had anyone else made this claim, none would’ve believed it. But Fang Lie’s ironclad reputation forced acceptance—along with sheer awe.

Sword Fortress, a major power under East Kunlun with a Thunder Tribulation Immortal and 100,000 cultivators… eradicated by this youth! The audacity!

As shock painted every face—even the Seven Dragon True Immortals stood stunned—Fang Lie smirked inwardly. Without explanation, he flew toward the city lord’s mansion, asking, "How’s everything here?"

"Young Master~" Mr. Suan Mei said with utmost respect, bowing deeply. "Everything has been restored. Without the underground business taking their cut, the salvagers’ earnings have tripled, boosting their productivity by thirty percent. Cultivators from surrounding areas have also heard the information, many traveling great distances to join our city."

"Is that so?" Fang Lie pondered. "But the Magma Lake isn’t inexhaustible. What’s the maximum capacity?"

"The yield fluctuates," Mr. Suan Mei explained. "High-rank materials are heavier – many resurface briefly before sinking again if not caught. More workers mean fewer missed materials. However, the lake spans only two hundred miles. A million people would be the absolute limit!"

"Then we’re nowhere near capacity!" Fang Lie laughed. "Keep accepting people. More workers mean more salvage, which means greater profits. Right?"

"True," Mr. Suan Mei hesitated, "but crowds attract bad elements. We might see gang activity return…"

"Then crush them!" Fang Lie said coldly. "I’ll be entering closed-door training soon. The Earth’s Magnetic Force Warship will remain here with its million magnetic puppets and the Eighth-rank Great Earth General. This should maintain control?"

"Absolutely!" Mr. Suan Mei brightened. His earlier fears about Fire Tribulation Immortals challenging their authority vanished – only Thunder Tribulation Immortals could threaten this defense.

Upon returning to the city lord’s mansion, Fang Lie transferred warship control to Mr. Suan Mei and the Seven Dragon True Immortals for defense arrangements, then began his cultivation.

Though tempted to contact the sect leader first, Fang Lie waited – negotiation advantages go to the patient. As expected, Mo Sect Leader Mo Qianxun broke first. A water screen materialized showing Mo Qianxun’s face.

"What brings you here so late, Sect Leader?" Fang Lie feigned ignorance.

The shrewd leader instantly recognized Fang Lie’s triumphant aura. "You recovered the Divine Marrow! Only that would make you this composed!"

"Crafty old fox!" Fang Lie smirked, producing a two-foot-three-inch Divine Marrow. "Sword Fortress fell. We reclaimed it."

Mo Qianxun suppressed irritation at the insult, forcing a smile. "Excellent! When will you deliver it to the sect?"

"Deliver?" Fang Lie blinked innocently. "This wasn’t Iron-Walled Jin City’s product – it’s my battle Spoils of War. Sect rules don’t require me to surrender it."

Mo Qianxun’s smile tightened. "I’ve punished the Bai family severely – executed the former City Lord, confined their Head to century-long seclusion. Satisfied?"

"Adequate," Fang Lie conceded, some anger fading.

"Then regarding the Divine Marrow…"

"You’ll get the smaller piece."

"What?" Mo Qianxun sputtered. "This ninth-rank treasured item is useless to a Qi Sea cultivator!"

"Bird Bro says he’ll forge me a cultivation treasure from it," Fang Lie stated lightly. "Take the small piece or leave it."

"Wait!" Mo Qianxun cried desperately. "I’ll take it! Just give me the smaller one!"